United Kingdom - Decorative Objects

Exceptional very large ormolu and silvered bronze jardinière by Christofle French, 19th Century Height 44cm, width 93cm, depth 59cm This superb jardinière centrepiece was crafted by...

Constructed in bronze, patinated and gilt; the rectangular form case supported on engraved oblate spherical feet, the frieze dressed with a row of female masks capping pillars, linke...

This neoclassical style French mantel clock is crafted from patinated and gilt bronze in addition to flecked black and grey marble. The clock body is formed from a lopsidedly mounted...

This is an antique oval trinkets tray. An English, ebony dressing table tidy, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Pleasingly deep t...

This is an antique triple hat transit case. An English, leather top hat box, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1890. Superb antique hat box...

A fine quality pair of 19th century French 'Sevres' style vases, having gilded ormolu mounts, a twisted, fluted, ribbed form with turquoise border and floral decoration. We can arra...

Wonderful vintage wooden bowl from the 1970s, hand turned from solid Teak, Stamped to underside Peter John Nice condition, minimal signs of wear, the bowl has been re-polished. ST1371

Elan Candlesticks by Pierre Salagnac Material: Bronze, golden polish Dimensions: H 47,5 x 30 x 24 cm Year: 2023 Type: limited edition, signed Revealing the organic curves of nature...

Kingwood Inlay From our Tea Caddy collection, we are delighted to offer this Elongated Hexagonal Satinwood Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of stretched hexagonal shape with six matching pa...

"Taureau Debout" by Rosa Bonheur. An excellent late 19th Century French animalier bronze study of a standing bull with fine hand chased surface that accentuates the muscle definition of the subject, signed Rosa B. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Measures: Width: 32 cm Height: 18 cm Depth: 11cm Condition: Excellent Original Condition Circa: 1870 Materials: Bronze Book reference: Animals in Bronze by Christopher Payne Page no. 174 DESCRIPTION Bonheur, Rosa (1822-1899) The most popular artist of nineteenth-century France, Rosa Bonheur was also one of the first renowned painters of animals and the first woman awarded the Grand Cross by the French Legion of Honor. A professional artist with a successful career, Bonheur lived in two consecutive committed relationships with women. Born on March 16, 1822 in Bordeaux, Marie Rosalie Bonheur was the oldest of the four children of Raimond Oscar Bonheur (1796-1849) and Sophie Marquis. Bonheur's father was an art teacher who came from a poor family, while her mother, a musician, had descended from a middle-class family and had been her husband's art student. Bonheur's father, who taught drawing and landscape painting, was an ardent member of the utopian Saint Simeon society. The group held idealistic beliefs about the reform of work, property, marriage, and the role of women in society. Most importantly, for the artist's future, the Saint Simeons questioned traditional gender norms and firmly believed in the equality of women. While teaching artistic techniques to his oldest daughter, Raimond Bonheur also encouraged her independence and taught her to consider art as a career. In 1828 Raimond Bonheur joined the Saint Simeons at their retreat outside Paris. Sophie and the children joined him in Paris the following year. Four years later, however, Raimond abandoned his family to live in isolation with his fellow Saint Simeons. Sophie Bonheur died in 1833 at the age of thirty-six. Rosa was only eleven years old when her mother died, but she was aware of the heavy price her mother paid for married life with a man who was more dedicated to his own ideals than to meeting his family's needs. Rosa also saw that her mother's marriage led to poverty and her death from exhaustion. After her mother's death, Bonheur was taken in by the Micas family who resided nearby. Mme Micas and Bonheur's mother had been friends. When Mme Bonheur died, the Micas family paid Raimond Bonheur's debts and cared for Rosa. Their daughther, Nathalie, who would later become an amateur inventor and unschooled veterinarian, and Rosa became enamored with each other. When Rosa Bonheur began her career as a professional artist, she had already been trained by her father who had allowed her to study in all male classes. Rosa also learned by sketching masterworks at the Louvre from the age of fourteen, and later, by studying with Léon Cogniet. From the very beginning, Bonheur's favorite subject was animals. She learned their anatomy completely by dissecting them in local slaughterhouses. She also visited the horse market two times a week. Study of animals by direct observation led to the formation of the realist style in which Bonheur worked. It was for such work that Bonheur obtained written permission from the French government to wear men's slacks. Her working attire also consisted of a loose smock and heavy boots that protected her feet from the dangerous environment in which she painted. The style of dress that the artist adopted for work and home may well have been influenced by her father's attire, which was based on St. Simeonian clothing experiments. Bonheur also cropped her hair, perhaps to facilitate her work. She did, however, always wear dresses for social occasions because she knew that appropriate dress would further her career. Bonheur earned a successful living as a painter of animals. She exhibited at the annual Paris Salon regularly from the age of nineteen in 1841 through 1853, when she was thirty-one. She won the salon's gold medal at the age of twenty-six in 1848 and was commissioned by the French government to paint Plowing on the Nivernais in 1849. In the same year Bonheur and her sister Juliette became directors of l'École gratuite de dessin pour les jeunes filles, a post their father had once held. Bonheur completed her most renowned work, The Horse Fair, in 1855. The successful representation of percherons (a breed native to Normandy) was purchased by Ernest Gambart, a London art dealer whose gallery specialized in work by French artists. He exhibited The Horse Fair in London where Bonheur visited with Nathalie. Queen Victoria requested a private viewing of the painting at Windsor Castle. It would later be purchased in 1887 by Cornelius Vanderbilt and donated to the new Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Bonheur's trip to England allowed her to meet Charles Eastlake, then President of the Royal Academy, John Ruskin, the English writer and critic, and Edwin Landseer, the British animalier. She also toured the English and Scottish countrysides and executed some paintings based on her observations of new breeds of animals found there. Gambart made engravings of Bonheur's work, including The Horse Fair, and sold them in England, Europe, and the United States. Bonheur became one of the most renowned painters of the time. Little girls, such as Anna Klumpke in the United States, even had dolls in her likeness, much as American girls played with Shirley Temple dolls...

This beautifully decorated besamim, a decorative spice box used in the weekly Jewish ceremony of Havdalah, marking the conclusion of Shabbat (the Sabbath) - is a fine piece of antiqu...

Superb iconic design comes by way of this Art Deco bakelite alarm clock by the French clock makers Japy. Very desirable and rare model bakelite cas...

A Victorian Coromandel and Brass bound Dressing Case By Asprey The hinged cover with an inset brass monogram, the base with a jewellery drawer and two fitted internal trays, contai...

Dame Lucie Rie (1902 - 1995) ‘Bottle Vase’ with Flaring Rim Stoneware, blue / white volcanic glaze ’LR’ seal mark to base Circa 1980 Size: 27.5cm high, 14cm wide, 12cm deep - 1...

A spectacular large polished labradorite freeform sourced from Madagascar. Characterised by its iridescent colours, principally blue, this huge high grade labradorite is a stunning specimen, the lustrous colours fluctuating as it is observed from different angles. It is freestanding, making a striking sculptural piece for an interior, with a polished face to one side and a naturalistic reverse. Labradorite is named after the region of its discovery at Paul Island in the Canadian province of Labrador, first discovered here in 1770. Madagascar is currently the main source of labradorite. To expose its stunning colours, the stone is highly polished, revealing its natural beauty. This in itself is a talented skill, with only a small percentage of labradorites yielding positive results, making this specimen a rare discovery. We also have two other large labradorite...

Large cast iron factory clock manufactured by renowned electrical company Gents of Leicester. c.1915 An earlier iteration of this model of clock, the dial has developed a wonderful ...

Wonderful late 19th Century Art Nouveau French bronze figure of a seductively draped female figure representing, in allegorical form, Nature revealing her secrets to Science, a fitti...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare full sized Imperial Russian 1891 Cloisonné enamel casket box made from solid silver with g...

We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and very rare early 19th century solid bronze with marble base Grand Tour model of the Arc De Triomph by the world renown French company of LeBlanc Freres...

Rococo longcase Mora Clock dated 1777 by Anders Swensson with original decorative paint detailing. Carved detailing to crown. Working Longcase clock mechanism of pendulum and 2 weigh...

'Vug in Turquoise & Purple III' is a unique handblown sculpture by the British artist, Samantha Donaldson. Created by layers of coloured glass, the transparent colours merge and cre...

A Beautiful Handcrafted English Antique 19th Century Hardwood Veneer Writing Slope With A Tooled Purple Leather Writing Liner. Item Featured Brass Carry Handles Is Finished Wit...

Antique 19th century rare and exceptional George IV solid silver salver tray with cast border, large size and extremely heavy gauge, of shaped-circular form with applied cast border ...

Trio for three, a unique ceiling light composed by a cluster of lighting components. Combining patinated brass plates and finely brushed bronze framework, the Orbit Trio ceiling ligh...

Beautiful Art Deco ladies musical powder box. It appears to not have ever been used and as such is in remarkable condition. Bright red enamel exterior with gold accents to the edges ...

Antique Silver-Plated Shell Salt Cellar with Matching Tongs, c. Early 20th Century Elevate your table setting with this exquisite antique silver-plated shell-form salt cellar, comple...

This is a superb decorative antique Italian Grand Tour marble Pietra Dura mounted desk paperweight, circa 1880 in date. This splendid rectangular paperweight is exquisitely inlaid with a sumptuous arrangement of semi-precious stones including malachite, agate, onyx and amethyst. It is beautifully inlaid on a slate base. Not only is this desk paperweight very functional, but it is also an exquisite mineralogical wonder that can be admired by all discerning collectors. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation, Dimensions in cm: Height 2 x Width 17 x Depth 10 Dimensions in inches: Height 1 inch x width 7 inches x depth 4 inches. Pietra dura is a term for the inlay technique of using cut and fitted, highly polished coloured stones to create images. It is considered a decorative art. Pietre dure is an Italian plural meaning "hard rocks" or hardstones; the singular pietra dura is also encountered in Italian. In Italian, but not in English, the term embraces all gem engraving and hardstone carving, which is the artistic carving of three-dimensional objects in semi-precious stone, normally from a single piece, for example in Chinese jade. The traditional convention in English has been to use the singular pietra dura just to denote multi-colored inlay work. However, in recent years there has been a trend to use pietre dure as a term for the same thing, but not for all of the techniques it covers, in Italian. But the title of a 2008 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Art of the Royal Court: Treasures in Pietre Dure from the Palaces of Europe used the full Italian sense of the term, probably because they thought that it had greater brand recognition. The material on the website speaks of objects such as a vase in lapis lazuli as being examples of "hardstone carving (pietre dure)" The Victoria & Albert Museum in London uses both versions on its website, but uses pietra dura. "A method of inlaying coloured marbles or semi-precious stones into a stone base, often in geometric or flower patterns...." Giovanni Montelatici...

A Large and Important Napoléon III Gilt and Silvered-Bronze Sculptural Three-Piece Clock Garniture, By Charpentier, Paris. Comprising a mantle clock and a pair of figural vases. The...

A good quality French 19th patinated terracotta bust of a classical lady, mounted on a Rouge marble sockel.

A very good quality late 19th Century French patinated bronze musician playing a Harp. Signed; Marcel Debut (1865-1933) The son of the famous Fr...

This fine, antique mantel clock is constructed in ebonised wood by the renowned Parisian maker of automata, Xavier Tharin (French, active mid 19th Century). The clock face is set onto a curled, stylized pediment atop the clock case. The face is of white enamel, featuring black Roman numerals and signed 'Tharin a Paris', and is bordered in beaded ormolu. The pediment in which the face is set is decorated with ormolu mounts of stylized acanthus leaf form. The pediment is set onto a rectangular frame of ebonised wood, inside which is set a musical automaton...

Pair of French Empire style malachite, lapis lazuli and ormolu vases French, 20th Century Height 78cm, width 47cm, depth 30cm Skilfully crafted by French craftsmen, the unusual mixt...

A handsome Victorian solid / sterling silver tea canister with a repousse decoration to both body and pull-off lid. The tea caddy is fully hallmarked for the well renowned silversmi...

This is an antique desktop specimen case. An English, mahogany and brass miniature chest of drawers in Art Nouveau taste, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Beautiful...

Stunning quality antique Victorian carved walnut Vienna wall clock having a quality carved walnut case with reeded turned columns, having all the original finales, fantastic shaped t...

A Napoleon III Gilt and Silvered Bronze, Onyx and Champlevé Enamel Figural Three-Piece Clock Garniture. By Eugène Cornu for the Société des Marbres Onyx d'Algerie, the figure cast fr...

French neoclassical style bronze and marble three-piece clock set French, 19th century Clock: Height 38cm, width 50cm, depth 15cm Candelabra: Height 62cm, width 27cm, depth 20cm ...

"Glass Snake" by Lalique Glass A wonderful limited edition 21st Century French deep purple crystal glass study of a coiled snake with its head raised, wit...

This charming late 19th century French clock set takes inspiration from a range of styles and periods, and is beautiful in its final e...

A large scale natural amethyst specimen originating from Brazil. Crystals from Brazil are most often found as radiating masses, with individual crystals appearing as pyramids, such a...

A play on the concept of pivots and supports, Fulcrum is a sculptural and monolithic candlestick whose cylindrical stem appears to balance on a central sphere. Includes large clear...

French neoclassical style enamel, onyx, and gilt bronze pedestal clock French, late 19th century Measures: Height 125cm, width 36cm, depth 30cm This beautiful pedestal clock has...

Italian glazed ceramic pitcher in seagull form by Bruno Gambone (circa 1970s). A very rare Bruno Gambone piece never before encountered by this gallery...

Antique brass carriage clock, dating to the Edwardian era, having a quality brass case, 8 day French movement. Enamelled dial bearing Rom...

A wonderful English Stourbridge Burmese uranium satin glass bowl by Thomas Webb & Sons and dating from around 1890. The rounded bowl has a narrow rounded slightly recessed base and i...

Early 20th century large Chinese cloisonne enamel elephant on stand circa 1900. A real rare decorative piece. Profusely enamelled, modelled carrying a saddle and flaming finial.  I...

Antique Swedish mora clock from early 1800s in lovely later deep blue finish with distressed gold detailing and simple country style hood decoration and a wide belly body and a good...

From our Tea Caddy collection, we are pleased to offer this Georgian octagonal Inlaid Tea Caddy. The Tea Caddy of octagonal form veneered in Harewood with inlaid twin Tuscan Columns ...

A fine antique Georgian mahogany letter holder of exceptional craftsmanship. Beautifully shaped and richly figured in striking flame mahogany veneers, the serpentine-fronted design w...

A Bronze Figure of 'La Nature se dévoilant devant la Science' by Louis-Ernest Barrias. Inscribed 'E. Barrias' and with Susse Frères foundry cachet and further Susse inscription. S...

Hallmarked in Chester in 1907 by Nathan & Hayes, this handsome, Edwardian, Antique Sterling Silver Jewellery Box, features a hinged lid which is lined and has spaces for six rings, a...

This intricately decorated antique Japanese vase was crafted in the Meiji period (1868-1912). The vase is of circular form and features a waisted base, large, ovoid body and a lid wi...

The mask or ‘mascaron’ of Greek theatrical form, set on a polished black marble base overall height 56cm, base 18cm wide, 13.5cm deep Provenance: Daniel Katz Ltd. London, where purch...

Large art-glass paperweight, crafted in the 1970s by the renowned English glassmakers Liskeard Glass, showcases the exquisite 'bullicante' technique through its display of internal b...

A very stylish Italian mid-century mezza filigrana waisted tall art glass vase attributed to Venini and probably dating from around 1960 but possibly earlier. The hand-blown glass va...

An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver cigarette box in the Art Deco style; an addition to the ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional vintage Elizabeth II sterling silver cigarette box has a plain rectangular form onto four bracket style feet. The surface of this impressive silver box is embellished with impressive engine turned decoration. The box is fitted with two hallmarked hinged covers each embellished with further panels of engine turned decoration in addition to an applied leaf border which continues across a central plateau. The interior of each solid silver cover features a paralleling band of engine turned decoration in addition to the part hallmarks; decoration to the posterior surface of a cover is an indication of the fine quality of a piece. The central plateau is surmounted with an impressive shaped handle, in the Art Deco style. The body of this exceptional box features the original cedar wood lining. This antique Art Deco cigarette box has a weighted base and retains the original leatherette covering to the underside. The box is supported by four impressive cast silver, Art Deco style stepped bracket feet. By virtue of its size this versatile vintage cigarette box could be used for a multitude of functions. Note: The majority of such boxes have a wood lining to the cover; it is a sign of quality when boxes have an unlined, solid silver covers. Condition This vintage silver cigarette box...

Fine quality pair of quality antique Victorian Doulton Lambeth small vases having a quality pair of antique Victorian Doulton Lambeth small vases with fantastic decoration throughout...

A very good quality 19th Century French gilded ormolu Rococo influenced mantel clock, having wonderful scrolling foliate decoration, the clock face having enamel Roman numerals, an e...

This exquisite 19th century trio is comprised of a central clock and a pair of flanking six-light candelabra. The design of the clock case is widely acknowledged to be inspired by one of the most important paintings of French Revolution, ‘The Oath of the Horatii...

Wedgwood Fairyland Lustre Lily Tray, shape number 2483. Decorated with 'Jumping Faun' pattern to interior, 'Flight of Birds' to exterior. 'Pebble and Grass' border to exterior rim an...